Accused Alexander Vinnik Appeals for Extradition to Russia

Accused Alexander Vinnik Appeals for Extradition to Russia

Alexander Vinnik

Alexander Vinnik, a Former operator of crypto exchange BTC-e who is a Russian, has appealed with a Greek court for his release or extradition to Russia.

Vinnik who is accused of fraud and laundering as much as $4 billion in Bitcoin (BTC) over the course of six years — has reportedly filed an appeal with Piraeus court for his release or extradition to Russia for humanitarian reasons.

Russia’s Commissioner for Human Rights Tatyana Moskalkova before that asked both the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet and Greek Justice Minister Michalis Kalogirou to help extradite Vinnik to Russia. The petition was lodged in connection with Vinnik’s deteriorating health following a hunger strike since November.

Moskalkova said Vinnik’s wife was seriously ill and is on the brink of death. The Commissioner said then:

“Given the extraordinary humanitarian situation, I would ask for help extraditing him [Vinnik] to Russia so that he could be closer to his family.”

Moskalkova also sent letters to the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Peter Maurer, the Greek Health Minister Andreas Xanthos, and the Greek Ombudsman, Andreas Pottakis, asking to provide Vinnik with medical assistance following the hunger strike.

Apart from Russia, French authorities also sought Vinnik’s extradition to France in regard to a further series of fraud allegations.

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